We shoot them, in theory, because they ruin farmers crops and can be dangerous to livestock (stepping in holes)

well thats all fine and good, even if it is just an excuse.

but I don't know about what you wrote later.

like I said earlier would you be okey with breeding birds to be let out and shot for peoples enjoyment? that was popular back in the day but we have come a long way since back in the day. Have competitions were deer run in a trought and you shoot them?

sure hunting isn't a life or death thing in the western world anymore either but to me it is not just a sport